Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan reveals heartache after backlash over sister Linda’s funeral

Coleen Nolan has opened up about the additional emotional turmoil she faced

after the funeral of her sister, Linda Nolan, and the cruel backlash she received following the service.

Linda, who had bravely fought a battle with cancer for 20 years, passed away on January 15, 2025.

While cancer wasn’t the cause of her death, Linda’s passing marked the end of a long and difficult journey for the Nolan family.

Following Linda’s funeral, Coleen revealed the personal heartache she experienced, which was compounded by online criticism.

Appearing on Loose Women on February 17, Coleen shared her emotional experience following her sister’s passing and the painful events surrounding the funeral.

The service was described as a fitting tribute to Linda’s personality and wishes. The ceremony included a sparkly pink coffin, and the streets were lined with mourners who came to say their final goodbyes to the beloved star. The Nolan family had hoped for a celebration of Linda’s life, and it was exactly what Linda would have wanted, according to Coleen and her sisters.

However, despite the beautiful and heartfelt farewell, Coleen faced harsh criticism online when she was seen smiling as she exited the funeral car. While Coleen’s smile was a gesture of gratitude in response to the overwhelming turnout, some people misinterpreted her expression, leading to a wave of negative comments. “I got out of the funeral car smiling because there were so many people standing there smiling at me. But then I got slated for smiling online,” she revealed.

Coleen explained that the large turnout for Linda’s funeral was deeply emotional for the family, and it was a moment of gratitude and recognition for the support they received. As she and her family drove to the funeral, they were overwhelmed with emotion at the sight of so many people gathered to honor Linda’s life. “The turnout made us cry in the car. It’s exactly what she would have wanted. Linda would have loved it. When I was smiling, it was a gratitude thing,” Coleen said.

Despite the love and support she received from many, Coleen admitted that the criticism from trolls online left her heartbroken. However, she revealed that she’s learning to stop letting negative comments affect her. “I need to stop caring about what other people are saying about me,” she confessed. She also expressed that she knows exactly what Linda would have wanted for her and their family during this time of grief.

In addition to addressing the online criticism, Coleen shared a poignant memory of her sister’s final days. She described how Linda, despite her illness, was still able to find humor and keep her family laughing in her final moments. “She was moaning about the soup she was given to eat. But we were laughing a lot. And reminiscing. She wanted us to enjoy it,” Coleen recalled. This memory was a reflection of how Linda had always approached life, even during the toughest of times, with humor and a positive attitude. Coleen emphasized that humor was a vital part of the Nolan family’s coping mechanism in times of sorrow.

The 59-year-old also opened up about the struggles of grieving, admitting that she found it incredibly difficult to get out of bed in the days following Linda’s death. “I didn’t see joy in anything. I lost feeling. It was numbing. There was something inside me saying ‘I’m really tired’ and I still have that a little bit,” Coleen explained. But despite the exhaustion and the emotional weight of her grief, Coleen acknowledged that she had to keep going. “But if I don’t go out and live, then what is the point? And if I don’t laugh, then what is the point?” she said, emphasizing the importance of continuing to live life fully, despite the pain.

Coleen’s candid discussion about the emotional toll of losing her sister and the difficulties of coping with grief resonates with many who have experienced similar loss. Her openness about the challenges of navigating public scrutiny while dealing with personal heartache highlights the resilience and strength required to move forward.